THE ONLY ONE IN MY HEART. . .

"Remember last year when you told me

To always stay here and never leave me

The light from your eyes made it feel like

We were dancing in the moonlight."

moonlight : grace vanderwaal

- - -

The whole batch of first years — from all of the classes — huddled and stared at Aoi expectantly, who just stood in front of the huge crowd, an oblivious smile on her face. Some whispered, while some (or most of the boys) swooned at Aoi's sweet smile, complimenting her dainty figure, as always. Aoi had charms and she knew how to use them.

"Uhm, what do you guys need?" Aoi spoke after a moment of silence, her confusion with the sudden chaos evident. She's also scared — of course she is! Who wouldn't be? All of a sudden, a hoard of students interrupted her gardening time and just stared at her. If that isn't alarming, then Aoi doesn't know what is.

One of them blinked. Yamabuki-kun, Aoi recognized. He wasn't holding his phone (stupefying, Aoi thought as Lemon had always been a creature with a phone obsession), instead, he was frowning at Aoi. He fidgeted, probably not comfortable without his rectangular device, but, nonetheless, he seemed determined. Determined for what, though? Aoi is dying to know, too.

"Aoi-san, we have a question for you," Yamabuki said, as the rest of the students nodded. Well, obviously, Aoi almost said, but decided that it would've been too rude to utter out loud.

Aoi didn't realize how many first years there were. At least, so many first years interested in her personal life, or in whatever they're supposed to ask.

"Go on," Aoi said. Her eyes roamed, taking in the faces, familiar and unfamiliar (some of them aren't even first years) — since when did Aoi become a celebrity? Aoi knew that she gained attention from boys and girls alike, but it had always been admiration-wise. She felt like a pressured star under the gazes of persistent interviewers.

"Well, you see," Yamabuki began, then paused. He made a weird noise and turned around, a conflicted expression on his face. "Do I really have to do this?" He whispered, but it was too loud to be even considered as that.

"Yes!" One of the students said; Aoi didn't recognize the girl. "You're the closest one to Akane-san, which means you must also be close to Aoi-chan!"

Yamabuki groaned and muttered a string of curses, with something along the lines of that's a stupid logic. He stared at Aoi, unwavering. "Aoi, you see — uh, how do I say this." He sighed. "We were just, you know, speculating stuff about you, because we were really curious. I was actually surprised that I don't know much about you."

Aoi stiffened. "What are you trying to say, Yamabuki-kun?"

Yamabuki took a deep breath. "Aoi, do you have someone you like? Or, uh, love?"

The crowd watched with baited breaths as Aoi relaxed, her features softening upon the question. Then a laugh left her lips, light and carefree, as if she was laughing at their faces for making the question seem dramatic when it's not. (And it's really not).

"That's all, then?" Aoi flashed them an endearing smile everyone knows and love. Ah, Aoi, good-natured as always. "That's an easy question. The only one in my heart is—"

"Oh my God, here it is!"

"We finally get to know who captured the heart of Kamome's princess!"

"Is it Akane? Do you think it's Akane? He's head over heels for her."

"I've heard she turned him down a lot more times than we can count, so, I doubt that."

"Then who could it possibly be?"

Aoi raised a finger to hush all the excited whispers. "The person I love with all my heart is Nene-chan."

"Ne— wait, what?"

The crowd's attention then shifted on the radish-legged girl, who looked as lost as ever. Then when she realized that everyone was staring at her  — waiting for her to say something, she squeaked.

"Wait, me?" Yashiro asked dubiously, frantically gesturing at herself. "What do you mean it's me?" She continued on mumbling incoherent nonsense as the crowd slowly submerged into visible confusion.

"Nene-chan is Yashiro-san, right?

"I don't understand this."

Aoi brightened. She skipped over to Nene and tackled her into a loving hug. "Nene-chan! There you are! I've been looking all over for you!"

Yashiro's face flushed when the crowd just watched them in awe. "A-Aoi, what are you—"

Suddenly, Aoi glared at them for a second. Then it disappeared, as her lips curved upright and tightly. A wry smile. Aoi just did a wry smile. "Did you guys force Nene-chan into this?"

Aoi suddenly seemed like a fierce animal that wouldn't hesitate to claw passerbys in her vicinity — the crowd shivered. Fake-nice, is that what Aoi is acting? Mitsuba would've been proud if it wasn't more terrifying than his.

"Oh, where's Akane-kun, by the way?" Yashiro asked Aoi, whose features softened immediately when those magenta orbs were placed on her. Really, Yashiro was just trying to change the subject because she knew that Aoi didn't act. . .merciful when she wears that menacing smile.

Aoi frowned. "You mean you haven't seen him, too?" Aoi turned to Yamabuki questioningly.

Yamabuki raised his hands, looking as guilty as ever. He nervously chuckled, as if that will save him from whatever he's going to say. "Yeah. . .uh— we sort of  had to tie him down in the classroom because when he heard about. . .this he went apeshi—"

"Feral," on of the students interrupted. With a nod, he repeated, "he absolutely went feral."

"Yeah. We don't want. . .that to ruin everything. He'll probably escape soon to whack all of us away with a bat," Yamabuki said, as if he says those exact words everyday. "I know from experience that you don't anger an Akane when he has a bat nearby, which is everyday. Akane's crafty — after he escapes, and hit all of us, he'll demand answers."

Yashiro didn't know if she should be scared, because, somehow, it actually made sense and Yashiro found herself agreeing. She would never do that, though. Akane trusts her.

"And now that we. . .uhm, know the answer. I don't think Akane will be too happy about that."

Aoi shook her head and pat Yashiro's head. "If Akane-kun would even think of touching Nene-chan, I would be very unhappy."

Yashiro gulped. "Aoi. . ."

The indigo-haired girl looked at her. "Oh, sorry, Nene-chan! You're so cute." She giggled. Aoi then turned to the crowd, making exaggerated gestures, as if they're dogs. "Now go! Shoo! You have your answer, right? Go on with whatever you're supposed to do."

"Aoi, is it—"

"Nene-chan, want me to tell you the latest rumor I heard today? It's so cool I had to tell you about it!"

Yashiro smiled. "Yeah, okay."

- - -

(Kind of) Requested by: FeriaeSoror💕

This made a lot more sense in my head but oH WELL! I live for Aoi and Yashiro's friendship, it's so adorable.

Pls don't remind me of the latest manga chapter—

Anyways! I'm back! I finished my other book so I can focus on this one! You guys should probably turn off your notifications once I finish all these drafts 😂 Got a handful of requests here.

Thanks for reading!